Batley fighters in form on Leeds bill

Mark Berry

Two Batley-based Mixed Martial Arts stars were in top form as they both stormed to victory in Caged Fighters 6 at Elland Road last week.

The AVT team had two fighters at the top of the bill and they didn’t disappoint with Mirfield’s Jay Furness claiming a title belt and Doncaster’s Danny Mitchell completely out-classing his opponent.

The highly-ranked professional duo were the stars of the show at Elland Road and Leeds United fan Furness, 25, obviously enjoyed the familiar surroundings as he defeated Frenchman Pierre Berillon to claim the lightweight title in the main event.

The fight went the 15-minute distance and classy Furness was never troubled, using his superior wrestling and grappling game to dominate his opponent from the start.

The Mirfield man’s work resulted in him winning each of the three rounds to claim a unanimous decision and claim the lightweight championship belt.

It was a great result for Furness who said: “Pierre was a very tough, respected international opponent coming from a top gym in France.

“I’d had a few opponents drop out, but in the end he was a solid replacement and a guy that was very well rounded.

“I dominated the fight but couldn’t get the finish I wanted. Overall I was happy with the win but know the performance wasn’t necessarily up to the standards I hold myself to.”

The title is Furness’ second of the year, having won the British crown at Shock ‘n’ Awe in March, and extends his fine record to 10 wins from 12 fights.

Fellow AVT fighter and head coach Danny Mitchell was in similarly impressive form as he proved far too good for Portugal’s Victor Peixoto.

Mitchell took less than a minute to defeat his rival, setting-up a twister and forcing a submission with a brutal spine attack.

The packed Elland Road bill also included several amateur title bouts.